FRANCE – France-based dairy processor, Danone, has discontinued two plant-based milk options, Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk, under its Silk and So Delicious brands.
The move comes after the alternative category experienced a decline in sales in 2023, marking a deviation from four consecutive years of growth.
Danone introduced Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk in late 2021 intending to replicate the taste, nutritional components, molecular composition, and nostalgic feeling of traditional milk but in plant form.
The company had hoped to attract milk drinkers looking to transition to plant-based alternatives.
“After some time on shelves, we made the difficult decision to discontinue Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Dairy Free Wondermilk in 2023,” Danone said in a statement.
“We are prioritizing our efforts on innovation across our product portfolio to deliver on evolving consumer preferences, including functional and nutritional needs.”
In addition, Danone highlighted its new Silk Protein Almondmilk as part of its ongoing innovation efforts as the product, launched in January in the U.S., was promoted as having equivalent protein content to dairy milk, approximately half the sugar, and 50% more calcium.
While Danone did not provide specific reasons for discontinuing Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk, the decision aligns with the company’s strategy to focus on health-focused offerings and invest in growth initiatives.
The decision to discontinue these plant-based options coincided with a broader trend in the plant-based milk sector, which experienced a 0.7% decline in sales to US$2.5 billion in 2023, as reported by Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm.
Sales have continued to slip, with a 2.9% decline for the 52 weeks ending Feb. 25.
Earlier this year, Danone announced the sale of its premium organic dairy businesses, including the Horizon Organic and Wallaby brands, to investment firm Platinum Equity.
However, Danone revealed that it will retain a minority stake in the business, with the closing of the transaction subject to customary conditions.
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